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Product Selection

Learn More About Basketballs

Itís your ultimate tool on the courtóso choose a basketball crafted for total playability.

Shop the basketball collection at DICKíS Sporting Goods for the ball designed for your game. Discover balls for youth, women and professional-level play. Mini-basketballs are great for kids, while signature NBA® player basketballs help you play like the pros.

Basketballs are typically available in three basic sizes:

Size Five are designed for young players, up to the age of 11. These balls measure at 27 ½ inches.

Size Six are designed for intermediate players between the ages of 12 and 15. They measure at 28 ½ inches.

Size Seven are designed for male players older than 16 years old. These balls measure at 29 ½ inches.

Shop popular basketball brands, including Spalding®, Wilson®, Nike® and Champion®.

Buying Tips

The modern basketball has come a long way since its beginnings in the late 19th century. The first basketballs were made with a hard rubber bladder stitched over with leather panels.

Todayís basketballs still feature a rubber bladder, but are generally covered but a lightweight leather, rubber or synthetic composite material.

Basketballs are designed specifically for indoor or outdoor play. Outdoor basketballs are generally made from rubber or a highly durable composite. This type of ball sometimes has a harder touch than an indoor ball. Indoor basketballs are typically constructed of leather or composite. These basketballs often do not have the longevity of an outdoor ball.

Stand out on the court: Todayís basketballs are available in a variety of eye-catching hues. You can go for a classic orange ball or find one bearing your NBA® teamís signature colors.

Expert Advice

Keep in mind the main components of a basketball: The internal bladder, its carcass and covering, threads, channels and pebbling.

The inside of your basketball contains a basic rubber bladder. Nylon or polyester threads wrap around the bladder to create a round structure. Two rubber layers provide a mantle-like carcass. The ball is covered by a paneled surface, which features channels that seal the ball together. The surface of the ball is textured by pebbles, which promote better grip.